Kelly stuffing box



April 7, 193 HQ m 2,036,537

KELLY STUFFING BOX Filed July 22, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet l 1936. H. c..o'r|s KELLY STUFFING BOX April 7' 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 22, 1935 April 7, 1936.

H. C. OTIS KELLY STUFFING BOX Filed July 22', 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 v improved stufling Kelly joint.

Patented Apr. 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE v I KELLY irl-2 1 m BOX A... ..TIZI."ZT.Z.;Z?;;Z$;T;Z1

21 Claims.

, This invention relates'to new and useful improvements in stufiing boxes.

The present tendency in oil well completion practiceis towards completion under pressure, or, instead of employing a fluid column which R greater than that of the formation being drilled, employing a fluid column having a weight less than the formation pressures. This practice necessitates the use of some ,means of packing offaround the drill stem at the surface to maintain the well under control. p

The usual practice is to employ a cylindrical drill stem, whereby a simple stuiflng box may be used. However, it is, under many conditions, more desirable to drive the drill stem with the usual Kelly joint which is square in cross-section.

' It has been found that it is sible toexactly align the, well the rotary'table which drives practically impospass through the box, rotary table and downwardly through the well connections, it is obvious that such misalignment will seriously hamper the rotation of the joint. Even though the well connections, ro-'v tary and box were properly aligned, the usual rotary table has a certain amount of play" or wobble" so that the rotation would soon throw the Kelly joint out of alignment. This play in the rotary would also cause the well connections tov wobble which is especially dangerous when drilling under high pressures.

- Where long strings of drill died, the resulting friction, due to Kelly joint and it is obvious that to successfully drill under pressure. a self-aligning stufling box, which will commisalignment and irregularities seal, must be'provlded.

In some cases, it has been attempted to anchor the well connections against lateral or horizontal movemen but this has been found impractical becauseofthe resultant much of the drill stem weight is on the bottom of the well. i

One object, of the invention is to-provide an box which is particularly adapted for use in packing off. around a drill stem of a well or other progressive element, and which will efiectively hold its seal'under all, conditions, whereby the well may be pressure.

An important object of the invention a to connections with drilled under provide an improved stuiiing box which is arranged to encircle the usual square Kelly Joint which is driven by a rotary table to rotate the drill stem, the box being so constructed that it may undergo a limited swinging or tilting movement without breaking its packing seal with the Kelly joint, whereby the stuffing box is self-aligning to compensate for irregularities in the joint, misalignment of the well connections with the rotary table, or lateral play in the rotary table.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stufllng box including a non-rotatable casing having a bushing rotatable therein said rotatable bushing'having suitable packing therein and being mounted to swing or tilt and also being casing whereby when the usual Kelly joint is arranged to move laterally within the automatically align itself to effectively pack of! around the joint, said self-alignment also serving to hold the seal during rotation of said joint, whereby thewell may be drilled under pressure.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved stufllng box including a driving bushing for engaging the drill stem, said bushing being rotatably confined in a non-rotatable member whereby the drill stem is rotated, and means in the drive bushing for dissipating the heat caused by friction during rotation of the bushing, whereby the elastic packings of the stuiilng box arekept comparatively cool to prolong the life of said Packing.

Still another object of the invention is to provent leakage of well pressure'therebetween, the packing member being so constructed as to pro vide a-bearing surface on which the bushing rotates.

Figure 2 is a plan view, l'igure 3 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

on 3-3 of Figure 1,

4 a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

line 4-4 of Figure 1, 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

line H of Figure 1,

partly in elevation and stuiilng box constructed bushing and support to pre- Figure 6 is a diagrammatical view showing the various positions of the inner body or housing,

Figure '1 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of another form of the invention,

Figure 8 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of still another form of the invention, and

Figure 9 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view j of still another form of the invention.

In the drawings, the numeral III designates a cylindrical casing or shell which has its lower end reduced and externally screw-threaded at H, whereby the shell may be mounted on the well control connections A, which are carried by the upper end of the well casing (not shown), or other support. The shell has a vertical bore l2 which has its lower end reduced-in diameter at 13. Between the bore l2 'andthis reduced'portion, an internal annular flange I4 is formed. At the extreme lower end of the reduced portion B, an annular, inter al, shoulder I5 is provided.

Rotatably mounted within the shell II! is an elongated cylindrical body it which has substantially the same length as the shell. The diameter of the body is less than the inner diameter of the internal flange l4, whereby the body may move a limited distance laterally within the shell (Figure 1). The lower end of the bore ll of the body is internally screw-threaded, whereby a shoulder 20, which abuts end of the drive bushing formed with a square bore 22, so as to snu l encollar 24 which is threaded drive bushing I8 having a square bore l9 may be screwed therein. If desired, the bushing may be split to facilitate its being engaged around the Kellyjoint (not shown). The lower end of the bushing is formed with an external annular the lower end of the body when said bushing is threaded therein.

Located within the bore ll of the body is a plurality of superimposed elastic packing rings 2|. The lowermost ring is supported on the upper l8 and each ring is gage the square Kelly joint B which passes through the drive bushing. The. packing rings are held in place by a split metal retaining ring 23 having the same shape as the packing rings.- The ring 23 engages the upper most packing ring and is held in engagement therewith by a flanged into the upper end of the bore ll of the body. It is obvious that as the packing rings wear, the collar may be readily tightened to further compresssaid rings.

- For rotatably supporting the body l6 within the shell "I, said'body is formed with an external, annular flange 25 .which is located substantially at mid-height thereof. The flange extends into the bore l2 of the shell and is. of such width that when the body is said shell, there is a clearance or space 26 between the outer edge of the flange and the bore l2. As clearly shown in Figure 1, the flange 25 overhangs the internal flange l4 within the shell, which latter flange is provided with an annular recess 01' groove 21 in its upper face. This groove receives an elastic packing ring 241 which has its upper end projecting from the groove. A metal ring 29, preferably ot'bronze,.ls supported on the elastiering and surrounds the body l6. It is noted that the outer edge of the ring is contiguous with the bore l2 .of the shell there being a slight clearance therebetween, while there is a comparatively-large clearance Ill between the inner edge of said ring and the body ill.

The external flange 25 on the body rests on the bronze ring 29, whereby the body is suspended from the flange. Due to the clearance spaces 28 and 3 0, it is obvious that the body I! by the bronze ring 29.

disposed axially within mally closed by a plug'45.

suitable lubricating oil to be entered between the 6 a packing seal around may move a limited lateral distance within the shell. Since the underside of the flange rests on the ring, itwill be seen that all the wear occasionedby lateral movement of the body is taken and therefore, the flange 25 slides thereon. By making thering of bronze, a frictionbearing is provided which reduces friction during rotation.

For packing 01f the space between the reduced portion ll of the bore of the shell l0 and the outer surface of the lower end of the body It, a plurality of superimposed resilient packing rings surround the body between the internal shoulder ii at the lower end of said shell and the underside of the internal flange I4. The rings are preferably of an inverted V-shape'as shown and a metal ring 32, preferably of bronze orsteel, is interposed between the uppermost packing ring and the flange l4 and engages the wall of the body. Contiguous to the ring 32 and also'interposed between the'packing rings and flange is laterally within the shell, the packing rings 3i, as 2.

well as-the elastic ring 33 are distorted to permit such lateral movement. This lateral movement is, of course, limited to the distortion of the resilient and elastic rings. It will be seen that the packing seal will be positively maintained when the body moves laterally.

For permitting free rotation of the body within the shell i0, ball bearings 34 are mounted in an annular raceway 35 which is supported on the flange 25. The outer edge of the raceway does not contact the bore l2 of the shell i0, leaving a clearance space 36 to permit the raceway to move laterally with the body. The upper face 31 of the raceway is arcuate and is engaged by the arcuate underside of a retaining ring '38. The are 'of both the face and ring is swung from a center 39 which is substantially in horizontal alignment with the internal flange l4 at the axial center of the body, wherebythe'body will swing from this point. Thus, it will be seen that the body In can swing a limited distance within the shell to compensate for any irregularities in the square Kelly joint B passing 'therethrough. I

The retaining ring 38 is held in place by a gland 40 which is threaded into the upper end of the bore. l2 of the shell. The'bore 4| of the gland has a greater diameter than the outside diameter of the body whereby an annular space is provided therebetween.

positions. v p 6 The gland 40 is provided with an inclined port 44 which leads from the upper end thereof to the bore below the felt ring 42. This port is norj The port permits a body and shell, whereby the flange 25, ring 29 and ball bearings 34 will be immersed in an oil bath at all times.

In operatiomthe shell is mounted on the well casing A, or other suitable support. The square 7 Kelly joint B which is driven by the usual rotary table'is, of course, connected with 'the drill stem (not shown): extending into the well. In drilling a well under'pressure, it is necessary to mainthe Kelly joint 3 1 This ring is immovable 5 A soft felt washer or ring 42 is inserted between the gland and the body to pre- 55 drive bushing and packing in the body which ,moves downwardly as the V drilling progresses. The Kelly joint 3 passes table through which the Kelly, joint B passes,

and therefore a stufling box in alignment with the well casing will not be inexact axial alignment with the Kelly joint. Withthe arrangement shown herein and described, the body ll may undergo a limited lateral movement to automatically align itself with the joint. Therefore, it will be readily seen that the stufllng box is self aligning.

When rotation of the Kelly joint starts, the body IE will rotate therewith. The shell remains stationary, the rotation of the body being facilitated by the ball bearings 34. As the drilling operation continues, the Kelly joint, of course, moves downwardly through the body. Due to irregularities in said joint, the downward movement of the joint .will swing the body I. to tilt' the same within the shell. This tilting will cause the lateral supporting flange 25 to distort the elastic ring flange rests. gether with the clearance between the body and shell permits the tilting. The arcuate face 3'! of the raceway engaging the arcuate ring 38 serves to guide the body in its swinging movement. From the above, it will 'be seen that the body II will automatically align itself to compensate for any irregularities in the Kelly joint, or any misalignment of the rotary table with the well con-- nections, or to take care of any other conditions.

Since the body rotates within the shell, it will be seen that the outer wall of said body frictionally engaging the packing rings 3| will cause the rings to become heated. Unless this heat is dissipated, the rings will soon deteriorate, which would necessitate replacement, To dissipate this heat, the inner surface of the drive bushing ll,

28 in the groove 21 on which said is formed with horizontal and vertical grooves 50, whereby the'well pumping fluid may flow therethrough. Since this fluid surges upwardly at intervals, it is obvious that the grooves provide increased contact surface for the fluid and therefore a heat exchange occurs. Thus, the heat built up by'friction due to the-rotation 01 the bodywithin the rings 3] will be carried 01! by the fluid, whereby said rings are kept comparatively cool, which increases the life of said rings.

In Figure 7, I have shown another form of .the invention wherein the shell ii is provided with an arcuate recess 51 at its upper end. An arcuate packing member 53 is inserted in the groove and rests on a ring 54 arcuate in cross-section, which is secured to the inner body 55 through which the Kelly joint B passes. The body a collar .56 threaded on its upper endand this collar has a depending annular, flange which overhangs the upper end of shell .ii. An elastic ring 51' arcuate in cross-section is interposed between the collar andshell and, as clearly shown, the body is supported by the collar. Suitable packing rings ii are inserted in bore of the body to pack oil! the joint (not shown) passing therethrollsh. The operation of this form is the same as the first form for it is obvious that the body may undergo a limited lateral, as well asa swinglug-movement.

In Figure s is shown a form similar to Figure 7, except that the flange on the collar 56 is elimaosass'r 'the lower ring as m the It is pointed out that this ringtor inated, and an elastic ring 58 rectangular in cross-section, is interposed between the flat top oi the shell and the underside of the collar.

Figure 9 shows a slightly modified form wherein a second collar is is employed for retaining shell. In this form the shell is made in two pieces with a lower depending sleeve for attachment to the support A. In all three '0! the latter forms, the rings serve not only to permit limited lateral displacement oi the body, but also provide a bearing surface on which the body may swing or tilt to compensate for irregularities in the Kelly joint passing therethrough.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A stumng box for rotating elements including, a non-rotatable outermember, and a rotatable inner member iournaled in the outer member and having'a work receiving opening extending axially therethrough for receiving a work element,

I the inner member having recesses in its workapplying it to the work element generated heat.

2. A stufllng box for rotating elements including, an outer non-rotatable member, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening therethrough for receiving a longitudinally progressing flat-sided element and disposed in the outer member, packing located in the opening of the inner member and engaging the flat sides of the progressing element for sealing of! said element as the same moves through said opening, bearing elements supporting the inner member within the outer member, and flexible packing between the members, there being sufllcient clearance between the members 'to permit the inner member to undergo salt alignment within the to dissipate the outer member, the bearing elements being mounted to permit the inner member to tilt'within the ing. a non-rotatable outer member, a rotatable inner memLer journaled in the outer member and having a work receiving opening extending axially therethrough for receiving a work element, means contiguous to the work opening of the inner member for receiving a cooling fluid and applying it to the work element to dissipate the generated heat, and apacking located in the opening of the inner member and engaging the progressing element for sealing oif said element as the same moves through said opening.

4. A stufllng box for rotating elements including, a non-rotatableouter member, a rotatable inner member journaled in the outer member and having a work receiving opening extending axially therethrough for receiving a work element, the inner member having recesses in its workreceiving opening for receiving a cooling fluid and applying it to the work element to dissipate the generated heat, and a packing located in the opening of the inner member and engaging the progressing element for sealing all said element as the same moves through said opening.

5. A stufllng box including, an outer non-rotatable member having an annular shoulder therein,

a bearing member carried by said shoulder and inner rotatable member having an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said inner member being mounted in the outer member and 4 having an annular support carried by said bearing member, the inner member being movable laterally within the outer member, an anti-Iriction hold-down bearing member engaging the 5 support of the 'inner member within the outer member, means for confining a body of lubricant between the members and around the bearing elements and a. flexible packing between the mem'- bers below said confining means.-

6, A stufling box including, an outer non-rotatable member having an annular shoulder therein, af bearing member carried by said shoulder, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said inner 1: member being mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bear ing member, the inner member being movable laterally within the outer'member, an antifriction hold-down bearing member engaging the support of the inner member within the outer member, means for, confining a body of lubricant between the members and around the'bearing elements, 'a flexible packing between the members below said confining means and means contigu- 23' ous to the opening of the inner member for receiving a cooling fluid and applying it to, the inner member to dissipate the heat generated by rotation.

'7. A stufling box including, an outer non-rotatable member having .an annular shoulder therein, a bearing member carried by said shoulder and inner rotatable member having an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said member being mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bearing member, theinner member being movah r laterally within the outer member, an anti-friction hold-down bearing member engaging the support of the inner member within the outer 40 member, means forconfining a body of lubricant between the members and around the bearing elements, and a flexible packing between the members below said confining means, the inner member having recesses in its inner wall opposite the flexible'packing to receive a cooling fluid whereby the frictional heat generated by the rotation of the inner member within the packing ;is dissipated. I

8. A stufilng box including, an outer non-rotatable member having an annular shoulder therein,

a. bearing member carried by said shoulder, an inner rotatable member mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bearing member, the inner member hav- 5 ing anfangular opening for receiving a rotatable flat-sided drill stem and being movable laterally within the outer member, an anti-friction holddown bearing member engaging the support of the inner member within the outer member, there so being a space between the member's for receivin a body of lubricant between the m'embers and around the bearing elements, and a flexible packing between the members below the lubricant space.-

65 9. A stufling box for rotating elements includ ing, an outer non-rotatable member, an inner rotatable member having an opening which has one or more contact surfaces, a longitudinal upright flat progressive element having one or 7 more contact surfaces en aging the-flat surfaces- 'of the inner member for contributing rotation thereto while progressing therethrough, packing located in the opening of the inner member and having one or more contact surfaces so as to snug- 75 1y engage the progressive element to pack oil the der, and an inner ,tional heat generated by the rotation of-the inner same, bearing elements supporting the inner member within the outer member, and flexible packing between the members, there being sumcient clearance between the members to permit the inner member to undergo lateral selr align- 5 ment'within the outer member, the bearing ele ments being mounted to permit the inner memher to tilt within the outer member without losing contact and the packing being arranged to preserve a fluid t' ht joint between the members 10 at all deflections of the inner member.

10. A stufllng box including, an outer non-rotatable member having an annular shoulder therein, a bearing member carried by said shoulder, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said member being mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bearing member, the inner member being movable laterally within-the outer member, an antifriction hold-down-bearing member engaging the support of'the inner member within the outer member, there being a space between the members for receiving a body of lubricant between the members and around the bearing elements, a flex- 25 ible packing between the members below said lubricant chamber, and packing disposed in the opening of the inner member for engaging and sealing oif the progressive element.

11. A stuffing box including, an outer non-rotatable member having an annular shoulder therein, a bearing member carried by said shoulder, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said member being mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bearing member, the inner member being movable laterally within the outer member, an antifriction hold-down bearing member engaging the support of the inner member within the outer member, there being a chamber between the members for receiving a body of lubricant between the member and around the bearing elements,

'a flexible packing between the members below said lubricant chamber, means contiguous 45 her to dissipate the heat generated by rotation,

and packing disposed in the opening of the inner member for engaging and sealing ofi the progrcssive element. g 12. A stuifing box including, an outer non-ro-- tatable member having an annular shoulder therein, a bearing member carriedby said shoulrotatable member having'an angular opening for receiving a progressive element, said member being mounted in the outer member and having an annular support carried by said bearing member, the inner member being movable laterally within the outer member, an anti-friction hold-down bearing member engaging the support of -the inner member within the outer member, there being a space between the members for receiving a body of'lubric'ant'between the members and around the bearing elements, 'a flexible packing between the members below said lubricant space, the inner member having recesses in its inner wall opposite the flexible packing to receive a. cooling fluid whereby the fricmember within the packing is djssipated,=. and i pack-disposed in the opening of the-inner memher for engaging and at the progressive element. I

13. A stufllng box for-rotating elements including, an outer non-rotatable member, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening therethrough for receiving a longitudinally progressing element and disposed in the outer member, flexiblepacking between the members, and

means resting upon the packing for supporting the inner member within the outer member and upon which the'inner member is rotatable, there,

being suflicient clearance between the members to permit'the inner member to undergo lateral self alignment within the outer member, the disposition of the flexible packing being such as to permit the inner member to tilt within the outer member while said packing preserves a fluid tight joint between the members at all deflections of the inner member.

14. A stufling box for rotating elements including, an outer non-rotatable member, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening therethrough for receiving a longitudinally progressing element and disposed in the outer member, packing disposed in the opening of the inner member for engaging and sealing off the progressive element as the latter moves therethrough, flexible packing between the members, and means carried by the packing for supporting the inner member within the outer member and upon which the inner member is rotatable, there being suilicient clearance between the members to permit the inner member to undergo lateral self alignment within the outer member, the disposition of the flexible packing being such as to permit the inner member to tilt within the outer member while said packing preserves a fluid tight Joint between the members at-all deflections of the inner member.

15. A s'tufllng box for rotating elements including, an outer non-rotatable member, an inner rotatable member having an angular opening therethrough for receiving a longitudinally progressing element and disposed in the outer member, bearing elements supporting the inner mem ber within the outer member, flexible packing between the members, there being suflicient clearance between the members to permit the inner member to undergo lateral self alignment within the outer member, the bearing elements being mounted to permit the inner member to tilt within the outer member without losing contact and the packing being arranged to preserve a fluid tight joint between the members at all'deflections of the inner member, and means for dissipating the heat generated by the rotating members.

16. A stufling box including, an outer nonrotatable cylindrical member, an inner member mounted to rotate within the outer member and having an angular opening for receiving and rotating a flat-sided drill stem, flexible packing in the opening of the inner member engaging the.

drill stem and forming a fluid-tight joint therewith, the outer member having a lower annular support, a flexible packing interposed between the lower support and the inner member, an upper flexible packing carried by the outer member, the inner member having a rotating part engaging the upper packing, there being suilicient clearance between the inner and outer members to permit the innermember to move later- "ally therein to vertically align with the drill stem 'when the latter moves laterally, the inner rotatable member also being arranged to tilt at an angle to the perpendicular.

17. A stufling box including, a non-rotatable outer casing having an annular support therein,-

an elongate axially rotatable member rotatably mounted on the support within the casing and having an angular opening provided with packing for receiving and packing off an angular vertically movable rotatable element, means for confining the inner member in the casing so that it may undergo lateral self-adjustment, flexible packing interposed between the casing and in ner member below the support and exposed to fluid pressure therebelow to be expanded thereby, and fluid-tight packing between the casing support and the inner member.

18. A stuifing box including, a non-rotatable outer casing having an annular support therein, an elongate axially rotatable member rotatably mounted on the support within the casing and having an angular opening provided with packing for receiving and packing off an angular vertically movable rotatable element, anti-friction hold-down means within the casing arranged to confine the inner member on the support and permitting said member to undergo lateral selfadjustment so as to vertically align itself with the vertical movable element, said inner member also being mounted to tilt at an angle to the perpendicular, and flexible packing interposed between tically movable rotatable element, means for confining the inner member in the casing so that it may undergo lateral self-adjustment, flexible packing interposed between the casing and inner member below the support and exposed to fluid pressure therebelow to be expanded thereby, fluid-tight packing between the casing support and the inner member, and a sealing element between the casing and the rotatable member immediately above the flexible packing to retain a lubricant in'the casing thereabove.

20. A stufling box including, a stationary outer casing having an annular shoulder therein. and an elastic packing ring immovably carried by said shoulder, a metal bearing ring resting on said packing ring, an inner rotatable body having an outwardly extending annular flange bearing on the metallic ring, said member having an angular opening provided with packing for receiving and packing off an angular drill stem, and an anti-friction hold-down device engaging the flange of the body within the casing, said device being constructed to permit a rocking movement of the body, and means for confining the device in the casing.

21. A stufling box including, a stationary outer casing, a rotatable member mounted on the casing and having an axial bore, a plurality of packing rings mounted in the bore of the body, a re taining ring secured in the bodyior engaging the uppermost packing ring, and a drive bushing mounted in the bottom of the bore of the body for supporting said packing rings, said bushing having passages in its inner face for permitting the ing ring, the packing rings and the bushings having angular openings in vertical alignment for engaging the flat sides of a drill stem.

HERBERT C. OTIS.

DISCLAIMER 2,036,537 .Herbert G. Otis; Dallas, Tex. KELLY STUFHNG Box." Patent dated April 7, 1936. Disclaimer filed December 30, 1939, by the patentee. Hemelg enters this disclaimer to claims 2, 9, 13, 1 4, 18, and 20 of the specification.

[ 11mm Gazette January so, 1940. 

